At Orange Fence, our family-owned company has been helping our Connecticut customers and their fencing withstand New England winters for over 90 years. Like many of our fellow long-time residents, we have seen feet of snow pile up around our homes and fences during the winter months and also know how the weather has changed over the years. For Connecticut residents new and old, our team can help install and maintain residential or commercial fencing that can hold up to the more frequent winds and rain impacting us through all seasons, while also accounting for the potentially snowy winters. Here, find out more about choosing the right fence installation for New England weather and winter fencing tips for protecting your fence through various winter conditions.
Types of Fence Materials for Snowy New England Winters
There are many different types of fencing materials for use at your home or business. As you determine which selection is right for you, purpose, environmental conditions and personal style are three important factors that may influence this decision. Whether you are looking to install a fence in the winter or planning ahead for this addition in warmer months, here are three types of fence materials to consider:
- Vinyl fencing: This type of fencing is known for its durability, specifically its resistance to damage by weather and pests. It is also popular because it requires minimal maintenance. Additionally, vinyl offers a degree of flexibility which is helpful in windy weather. Typically, even as snow starts to accumulate, this fencing material will remain strong and not crack under the pressure. Plus, if winter brings more rain than snow, vinyl is less susceptible to rot and other damage that may accompany overexposure to moisture.
- Aluminum fencing: Similarly versatile and durable, aluminum fencing is a rust-resistant option, so the wet conditions of rain and snow won’t cause this aesthetic and structural deterioration. This material selection is also a low-maintenance and more affordable choice than iron with multiple design, color and height options.
- Wood fencing: With a little extra care, high-quality wood fences in cedar or pine can work well in New England. Cedar, in particular, has inherent weather resistance which makes it less likely to rot when exposed to frequent rain or snow.
Other Tips for Winter Fence Protection
For areas like New England that often experience harsh weather conditions including rain, wind and snow, selecting the right type of fencing material clearly contributes to its longevity. However, winter fence care also supports the appearance of your fence. If you are getting a new installation or have routine fence care services, be sure to consult the professional fencing and gate company near you for winter care recommendations specific to your fence and property. Depending on the type of fence, here a few additional tips that may be recommended to help reduce the potential for weather-related damage:
- If it is a snowy winter, clean snow off of and away from fencing and gates. Completing this task helps reduce weight that could warp fence materials and moisture that could result in cracking. If you have younger, enthusiastic helpers at your household who have a few years before they are ready for a shovel or the snow blower, little mittened hands might be suited to clearing the rails and tops of fences, like a post and rail fence.
- Snow snow blowers (and plows) can also result in fence damage. To prevent damage, use markers to clearly delineate where machines should stop. Then, remove snow gently from around the areas closest to the fence.
- Take time to regularly inspect your fence, treat it and clean it as needed, and remove any surrounding yard materials or debris that may inadvertently strain or damage it. Especially since snow averages have been lower in recent years, as shared at Turn to 10, fence care beyond snow-specific strategies is important.
With our decades of local experience and industry expertise, Orange Fence is here to help home and business owners find the best fence for their property and the changing New England weather. We service multiple communities throughout Connecticut including Stamford, Bridgeport, New Haven, Waterbury and Hartford. If you are looking for a professional fencing and gate company near you, contact Orange Fence today for a free estimate on a new fence or the fencing maintenance that will support your current fence through all of New England’s seasons.
